Thursday, June 29, 2017

The 4th of July is around the corner and this year we have a unique way to celebrate. Skiing! Freedom Fest is a 4 day event at Squaw Valley to celebrate summer skiing and the 4th of July. Skiing will be open from 8:30am – 2pm each day. Bring your shorts, swimsuits and red white and blue for these hot summer days on the slopes. There are sure to be some good memories and the snow is still really good! Make sure to swing into mid-mountain at Gold Coast between 12pm and 2pm for a cold beer and live music. Keep the swimwear close and check out the party with food, drink and a DJ at 8200 feet at High Camp. Then head down to 6200 feet to the base of the mountain where you will find music all afternoon at the KT Base Bar. On Monday, July 3rd, the music will go till 9:20pm when it’s time to look up high to see the firework show. What a unique way to spend Independence Day!Fourth of July in Truckee is always a special time. With events and fireworks all weekend long below are some highlights you will not want to miss while here for the holiday:

Beerfest and Bluegrass FestivalSaturday, July 1st2:30pm – 7pmBeer tastings from over 25 breweries and 2 bluegrass bands in the Village at Northstar. Non-alcholic beverages and a tasty barbecue is available along with games on in the heart of the Village for the whole family to enjoy.

Luxury Home Preview TourSunday, July 210am – 4pmTake a tour of some of the best real estate offerings within the exclusive resort communities of Mountainside at Northstar, Northstar, Lahontan, Gray’s Crossing, Old Greenwood and a Tahoe lakefront estate.

Kings Beach FireworksSunday, July 2rd9:30pmGet there early as the fun will start with food vendors, a beer garden, free watermelon eating, sand castle building, patriotic costume contest, games, music and live entertainment.

Firecracker MileTruckee Tuesday, July 4th9:40amThis fun run that is full of costume, competition and family stroller walking takes place along the Truckee Parade route on Donner Pass Road and ends in historic Truckee. Runners are cheered on my thousands of parade spectators.

Pancake BreakfastStation 92 – TruckeeTuesday, July 4th7am – 10amThis popular event takes place at the start of the Truckee 4th of July parade just east of the high school on Donner Pass Road.

Truckee's 4th of July ParadeTuesday, July 4th10am – 12pmThe parade starts at the west end of town near the high school and continues 1 1/4 miles down Donner Pass Road into historic Truckee. This years theme is "Truckee – Base Camp for a Big Life" in recognition of Truckee’s new brand. With floats, cars, fire engines, music, dancing, performances and more, this is the epitome of a true hometown parade.4th of July at West End Beach and Truckee 4th of July FireworksTuesday, July 4thAll day with fireworks at duskHow about a Donner Lake beach day with games, live music, a barbecue topped off with evening fireworks? The fireworks can be seen from any location around Donner Lake or from above if you drive up Old Highway 40 or to the Glacier Trail in Tahoe Donner. Donner Lake is a great place to spend the day and beat the heat.

Thursday, June 22, 2017

The Tahoe Rim Trail is 165 miles of spectacular single track trail
that encompasses its way around Lake Tahoe. There are many ways to
experience this incredible asset that our area has to offer. Do the whole
trail all at one time by running or backpacking, or tackle the trail in pieces
throughout the summer or as time allows to get all the way around.

This trail is our back yard and we frequent the sections that are
closer to home. In the summer of 2014 we set out to be part of the 165mile club.
This club is a group of people who have completed the entirety of the
Tahoe Rim Trail. With a plan in place to accomplish this in one summer,
we made it all the way around via trail running. The experience of being on
this trail, looking down on the most beautiful mountain lake in the world was
incredible. The views are so breathtaking that it is hard to put into
words. Whether running through waist high wild flowers, treading on a
rocky hillside, climbing one of the highest peaks, marveling at the diversity
of the area, enjoying small mountain lakes, gazing at the massive trees or just
listening to the birds, the experience is unforgettable.

If you need some encouragement or structure to get you out on the
trail, try signing up for the Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge.
Challengers are giving 6 challenges (Rim Trail sections) to complete on
your own time, at your own pace. This will give you a foundation to start
with. Become part of the community and connect with other Challengers
through Trail Challenge Facebook group. If you complete all six
challenges you will receive an exclusive Tahoe Rim Trial Challenge patch and be
entered into monthly drawings to win fun raffle prizes and swag.

This time of year, the hues of Lake Tahoe change seemingly by the
minute and wildflowers are in a constant state of appearing and disappearing
overnight. Now is the time to get out and discover the beauty that
silently resides in the Sierra. See you out on the trail.

Thursday, June 15, 2017

It is summer time in Tahoe. Now is the best time be outside
and take advantage of the long days and warm weather. There is no better
way to unwind from a day of Tahoe adventure than to sit back and enjoy music al
fresco in the fresh mountain air. With venues all over Tahoe offering
free music concerts, you can find one almost every day of the week.
Whether at the base of the mountains of Olympic Valley, on the shores of
Lake Tahoe or in a Truckee setting with green grass surrounded by towering pine
trees, hearing music outside can't be beat. Here are some options throughout
the summer:

Monday, June 5, 2017

The final remnants of a disruptive winter are visible in the performance of the local real estate market over the past 30 days. It may appear disingenuous to describe a market that lags sales volume of the prior year by 10% as ‘frothy’ however the first hints of summer activity have that feel.

May, 2017 saw 109 residential real estate closings; an excellent number by historical standards but a full 25 sales (19%) behind the same period in 2016. Factors divergent from the prior year include limited inventory and, more notably, a winter in which access to the region was limited based upon near historic snowfall. Appreciating that May closings are typically a function of March and April market conditions and, likely, January and February visitation, the challenge in showing real property is obvious.

Positive indicators for the season to come include limited inventory, currently at just five months’ supply, and a meaningful leap in average and median pricing. May saw the average sale price leap to $889,620, a 13% increase over the same month last year indicative of upward pricing pressure as well as a bias toward more premium residential offerings. The latter point is best demonstrated by a quick resurgence for premiere lakefront property. In a typical year, waterfront sales are back loaded to the final two quarters of the year as prospective owners experience the splendor of Lake Tahoe before making a purchasing decision. Already in 2017, 7 lakefront properties have transacted at median pricing nearly 40% higher than the cumulative 2016 values. Chief among these are two transactions cresting $10,000,000. With compelling inventory and a full lake, the lakefront niche is clearly in store for a banner year.

Similarly, the temperature for the overall market is rising. Memorial Day is typically a quiet time for new showings around Truckee and Lake Tahoe. More often, existing homeowners visit to ready homes for summer while consumers contemplate a visit around the July 4 holiday. The sensational winter and stunning weather inspired crowds far larger than normal to visit this year at witnessed by full restaurants and abundant real estate tours. 200 sales are currently pending in the Tahoe Sierra MLS of which 169 are scheduled to close in June. Among these are many properties that may have otherwise transacted during winter including the final Stellar Townhouse in Northstar’s Mountainside community, two other premium Northstar properties, a Martis Camp home, two Lahontan residences and a stunning custom home in Alpine Meadows.

Northstar is getting fired up for summer. By next weekend operations will be in full swing around the Village and on the mountain.

The Village at Northstar is open and summer activities will be happening daily. The roller skating rink and mini golf are fun for the whole family. Every kid will want to take a turn on the Spider Climb and Bungee Trampoline on the overlook terrace above the roller rink. Other activities are also offered such as gem painting, pottery, build a bear and candle making. Starting now, the Village Wine Walk will happen the last Saturday of each month. Pick up a souvenir tasting glass and meander through the shops sipping wine and snacking on hors d’oeuves.

A new dining option in the Village will have its grand opening on June 15th. Yamakai Fish and Sushi Co. will offer a refined menu of seafood, sushi and Japanese-inspired fare. The extensive kids menu, wine list and colorful atmosphere is sure to create a space for families to enjoyably dine together. Located around the ice rink next to the North Face store.

Norhtstar bike park will open Friday, June 16th. For bike park beginners and experts alike, the Specialized Academy at Northstar takes mountain biking to the next level. Riders of all ages receive a personalized coaching experience from certified Specialized instructors and access to top-of-the-line Specialized downhill equipment.Everyone is looking forward to another great summer at Northstar. When you own in the Village at Northstar, adventure is always right outside your door.Click here for my top 3 Northstar residences available now for Summer fun.

Friday, June 2, 2017

Spring has sprung and summer is here in Tahoe. It is time to come up and enjoy all the outdoor activities that the area has to offer. Better yet, sign up for an event. Design your vacation around the event and enjoy the organized activities that take place in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. There are so many options to choose from.

Below are the top 10 choices for this summer. There is really something for everyone starting this weekend with American’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride that takes riders the circumference of Lake Tahoe with a view over your right shoulder of Lake Tahoe all day long. The Truckee Running Festival is also happening this weekend with a 5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon and kids run. Get out and enjoy the Tahoe sunshine while competing or even spectating in the fresh clean mountain air.

America’s Most Beautiful Bike RideSunday, June 4, 2017This road bike ride starts and ends in South Lake Tahoe taking riders 72 miles, circumnavigating Lake Tahoe clockwise. End the ride with a party at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.Truckee Running FestivalSunday, June 4Enjoy a morning of running at Riverview Park and Waddle Ranch in Truckee. Try a 5K and support Girls on the Run Sierras (https://www.girlsontherunsierras.org). Also offered is a 10K, 1/2 marathon and kids races.Xterra Tahoe City Off-Road TriathlonSaturday, June 24thSwim in the blue water of Lake Tahoe, mountain bike the Sierra and enjoy an epic trail run all based out of Tahoe City.Donner Lake TriathlonSaturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23This long standing event has grown and now offers 3 different distances (WHAT ARE THE DISTANCES), a kids triathlon and if you want to swim and bike without the run portion. All events start and end at the West End area of Donner Lake.Northstar Downhill Mountain Bike Race Series5 Sunday’s from July 9 – September 3Enjoy the best of downhill mountain biking that Northstar California has to offer. Compete as part of 20 divisions and celebrate with food and drink after each race. Race one day or in at least 4 out of the 5 races to qualify for the point series.Tahoe Trail 100Saturday, July 15This 100K mountain bike course that starts and ends at Northstar California will challenge even the fittest athletes. The thrill of finishing or watching the finishers is exhilarating.Lake Tahoe Open Water SwimSunday, August 27Located off the shores of the Sugar Pine State Park from the white stand beach to the clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe. This swimming extravaganza will include a 1/2 mile, 1.2 mile and 2.4 mile course.37th Annual Donner Lake SwimSaturday, August 12, 2017Swim the length of Donner Lake with 400 other competitors. This is a 2.7 mile swim that will start at the East End of Donner Lake and finish at the West End of Donner Lake.Tahoe Fall ClassicSunday, September 10Check out the longest inland distance paddle board race in the world. The race starts in South Lake Tahoe and takes competitors 22 miles across the lake to Mouretatos Lakeshore Resort in Tahoe Vista. A 3 mile race and kids race will also be available starting and ending at the finish area in Tahoe Vista.Great Trail RaceSunday, October 8Trail run or mountain bike this course that runs from Truckee to Tahoe City. You can choose the Elite Course for more challenging and technical trails (21 miles long) or The Classic that will stick to the fire road course that is 17 miles long. Either way, you are in for a beautiful day spent in the Tahoe forest.